Banquet for Diplomats

Address by the Prime Minister at a banquet held by
the President of Iceland for foreign diplomats at Bessastaðir 27 March 2004

Mr. President, Madame Moussaieff. Honoured guests, ladies and gentlemen.

I am sure I speak for all of us when I thank the president and his wife for inviting us to join them this evening, for this splendid and excellent occasion.

The last time we met on a similar occasion under this roof, the state of the world was ominous. War in Iraq was imminent, diplomatic manoeuvring was at its height, traditional allies found themselves at odds, and so there was tension in the air. Many an expert assessed the situation, and predicted that the conflict would be prolonged, and that the allies would suffer heavy losses, not least when they would have to fight their way house-to-house through Baghdad against the dictator’s elite forces. None of this proved to be true.

But that does not alter the fact that the war in Iraq is, and will remain, controversial. Still no weapons of mass destruction have been found, and this lends support to the sceptics’ arguments. To my mind, there is no doubt that this war was in fact the inevitable conclusion to the actions taken on 17 January 1991. Neither the terms of the ceasefire, nor United Nations resolutions, had been complied with, and the reign of terror continued as before. And, regardless of disputes over the lawfulness of war, there is no doubt that the climate of this region is now more peaceful than before.

The disputes over the invasion of Iraq placed more strain on NATO than any other event in its history. These disputes, and the disagreement over Turkey’s defences, which preceded the war, were a major blow to the organisation. However, the transatlantic relationship appears to have improved, and it is to be hoped that this relationship will reveal itself, once again, to be grounded in fundamental common interests, and indispensable not only for Europe but for the world as a whole.

It is an important premise for peace and stability that the NATO nations stand together. No other international organisation has the potential of NATO to face the main dangers in the world today. One hopes that the opportunities offered by the meeting of NATO leaders in Istanbul this June will be utilised, in order to demonstrate clearly that the NATO nations are united on all major issues.

Disputes over the grounds for the war in Iraq must not be permitted to hinder the reconstruction taking place there, or the potential for establishing a consistent system of
government and democracy. The lack of democracy and human rights plays an important part in the instability which increases the risk of terrorism. But, as witness the tragic events in Spain just over two weeks ago, there are other contributory factors. All those who support peace must condemn the cowards who committed this act of terror, one of the worst ever experienced in Europe. We must all be thinking of the Spanish people with sympathy and affection, and pledge our support to her leaders in their resistance to terror. History has shown that such an effort must be supported by all. No-one may opt out.

Mr. President, fellow guests.
Matters of security, though of a different nature, have also been much debated here in Iceland, as you know, and there are points at issue between the two old friends, Iceland and the United States, regarding the defences of this country. The United States are now carrying out a global review of their military posture , in order to meet new threats, and of course this is all well and good. The Icelandic government cannot, however, accept as a consequence of this review that Iceland may be left without defence forces. In the United States, unfortunately, it has been proposed that Iceland be deprived of air defences, by withdrawing the fighter aircraft which remain stationed here.

The matter remains unresolved, and thus the future of the Defence Agreement, and over sixty years of alliance between Iceland and the USA, is uncertain. Iceland is ready for talks on all aspects of the defence relationship, in the friendly spirit which has prevailed between the two countries for over half a century. It must, however, be obvious that we would not be interested in continuing the relationship, if it ceases to provide the vital assurance of Iceland’s security, by means of a minimum of forces located here in this country.

Iceland has established good collaboration around the world, with individual nations and such bodies as the Nordic Council, the European Economic Area and NATO. We have been expanding our foreign service in recent years, though without over-extending ourselves. I would like to express my thanks for good and fruitful collaboration to the representatives of those nations present here this evening. On their behalf, and that of my fellow guests, I repeat my thanks to our host. I ask you to rise, and drink a toast to the President of Iceland and his wife.